The official reason: Kites and hydrogen balloons may obstruct the movement of helicopters ferrying the visiting American President and his entourage to the venues.

But the buzz is that the unprecedented decision was taken to scuttle the novel plan of a city-based minority group, Majlis Bachao Tahreek, to flood the city skyline with black kites and balloons as a mark of protest against Bush.

The Tehreek has distributed balloons and kites among children in the Old City area of the city.

Following a directive from State Director-General of Police Swaranjit Sen, both Hyderabad City Police Commissioner A K Mohanty and Cyberabad Police Commissioner M Mahender Reddy have asked police officials in Hyderabad and Cyberabad to warn the general public against flying any kite or balloon.

The police have been empowered to arrest anyone found violating the orders.